Monthly Archives: October 2014

Loukanikos, Dog of Freedom, R.I.P.

Posted on October 21, 2014 by mikethemadbiologist

We did have a soft spot for Louk, so we are greatly saddened by this announcement: Like all legends, Loukanikos appeared out of nowhere. It was December 2008, and Athens had been in upheaval for two weeks after the killing of … Continue reading →

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Why We Need Teacher Tenure: Because Protecting Children Shouldn’t Be a Firing Offense

Posted on October 21, 2014 by mikethemadbiologist

A while ago, I wrote about how elementary school teachers in Holyoke, MA were being told to use public disclosure of test scores to ‘encourage’ better performance. Because humiliating children is a great way to make kids hate learning. Or … Continue reading →

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Links 10/20/14

Posted on October 20, 2014 by mikethemadbiologist

Links for you. Science: One more question, Dr. Frieden: 11 things we’d like to know about the new Ebola case Here’s What It Looks Like When Ebola Fear Comes to the Heartland Lax U.S. Guidelines on Ebola Led to Poor … Continue reading →

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So, John Oliver, About That MRAP in Keene, NH…

Posted on October 20, 2014 by mikethemadbiologist

While we await prominent white leaders to disavow and apologize for the #pumpkinfest riot, it’s worth remembering that this is just one more instance of degenerate ‘suburban‘ culture. Meanwhile, a regular reader reminds us of John Oliver’s wondering why Keene, … Continue reading →

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This Is Post-Racial America: The St. Louis Rams Fans’ Edition

Posted on October 20, 2014 by mikethemadbiologist

While people can get very tribal about football (both the U.S.-ian and global kinds), this response to a Ferguson-related protest at a St. Louis Rams game is not encouraging (boldface mine): Stadium protester Shannon Wilson said, “We chanted in protest … Continue reading →

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Links 10/19/14

Posted on October 19, 2014 by mikethemadbiologist

Links for you. Science: Public Health in the Age of Ebola in West Africa First on the scene: Emory University Hospital nurses discuss their care of Ebola patients (training is everything) Lockheed says makes breakthrough on fusion energy project Rats … Continue reading →

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Blue-Green, Vision

Posted on October 19, 2014 by mikethemadbiologist

Observed at the corner of C and 3rd Streets, Southeast D.C.:

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Yes, Budget Cuts Hurt Development of an Ebola Vaccine

Posted on October 19, 2014 by mikethemadbiologist

There has been some talk by scientists (of all people) that NIH Director Francis Collins’ statement that “if we had not gone through our 10-year slide in research support, we probably would have had a vaccine in time for this … Continue reading →

Posted in Funding, NIH, Viruses | 5 Comments

Links 10/18/14

Posted on October 18, 2014 by mikethemadbiologist

Links for you. Science: Why Orange Juice Tastes Disgusting After You Brush Your Teeth How to Quarantine Against Ebola Can Limited Scientific Value of Potential Pandemic Pathogen Experiments Justify the Risks? NIH Ebola Update: Working Toward Treatments and Vaccines Nurses … Continue reading →

Posted in Lotsa Links | 2 Comments

Looking Back at the Post-Gerbeding CDC

Posted on October 18, 2014 by mikethemadbiologist

In 2009, Dr. Richard Besser, an infectious disease specialist at the CDC, was made acting director after Dr. Julie Gerberding (who wasn’t very good) left. I was one of the few people who thought he would have made a good … Continue reading →

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